Georgianna L. Papale

Age 76, of Green Tree, on Monday, January 28, 2019. Beloved daughter of the late Alphonse J and Almita M (Santini) Papale; loving sister of Rena (Jed) Koontz, Daniel (Marian) Papale, and the late Ronald (Eileen) Papale. Aunt of Valerie (Matthew) Blakeley, Daniel (Sheila) Papale, Robert Papale, Alex and Adam Koontz; great aunt of Danny and Megan Papale; and a host of special friends who will mourn her passing. Georgianna became the matriarch of the Papales three decades ago and kept the family together with homemade manicotti and meatballs, Easter pizzarustica, and a magazine-worthy Thanksgiving table. Holidays were spent at her house because where else would we find so much devotion? A Rose Society tea at Renzie Park without Georgie's cream puffs was a bust. She embraced the sisterhood of her sorority, never allowing her deteriorating physical health to keep her from offering assistance whether it be a carpool ride, a collection for the battered women's shelter, a monetary donation or her presence. She retired as an auditor from the Internal Revenue Service in 1997 but never strayed too far from working with numbers, family and friends tax returns, and updated tax laws. She was treasurer of the Ikenobo Society of Pittsburgh and Treasurer of Beta Sigma Phi Laureate Zeta Iota. Georgie loved roses. She could identify a bloom by its fragrance or a glance at the petal. She was President of the Pittsburgh Rose Society and treasurer of the National Rose Society. She volunteered every Wednesday to work at the Garden Club of McKeesport, pruning the mini roses and cultivating the other shrubs. And then she tended the blooms in her yard. She loved hockey. She attended the very first Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game on a date in 1967, knowing nothing about the sport. She said she walked into the Civic Arena wondering how long the game would take and walked out a hockey fan. The guy didn't make the cut but she fell in love with her Penguins. Her siblings meant the world to her but her niece and two nephews lit up her life. That beam brightened, and filled her phone with photos, when the great nephew and great niece arrived. The light in our hearts is now dimmed without her. Friends welcome Friday 2-8pm, William Slater II Service (412-563-2800) 1650 Greentree Rd, Scott Twp 15220. Mass of Christian Burial 10:00am Saturday in St Margaret of Scotland Church.